AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What are you doing here?” Did he follow me here? Was he after something to do with Sawyer?
“I too am here for Bianca.”
“What?” My voice pitched slightly in alarm. Bianca hadn’t mentioned that she was seeing anyone but surely she had better taste than this?
“My dog,” Eli said, moving to lean against the counter next to me.
My lungs clogged immediately with the stink of his aftershave, a heavy floral smell with an acidic undertone, and this time I didn’t hide my cough.
“You keep your dog here?”
“Mr. Talbot!” Bianca appeared suddenly with a form in her hand.
“Bianca, my dear. How is Filly?”
“She’s doing much better. Fred has her on some medication and we’re keeping a close eye on her, but it seems that whatever caused her sickness has passed. You’re welcome to take her home today if you like?” Bianca held out the form in her hand, but Eli shook his head.
“I appreciate all you’ve done for her, but actually, I’d like to keep her here a while longer. I’ve had an… unexpected surge at work, so knowing she’s being cared for gives me peace of mind. Is that alright?”
“Of course,” Bianca beamed, retracting the form. “I’ll let Fred know.”
Seeing Bianca all smiles to Eli’s pleasantness was oddly sickening and I made a mental note to remind Bianca who he is. I wouldn’t be surprised if he poisoned his own dog to get her into a shelter.
“All your bragging,” I remarked as Eli returned to the counter next to me. “I never would have seen you in a place like this.”
“Why not?” Eli’s smile turned into a smirk. “I like the intimacy of the place.” As he spoke, he leaned closer and his eyes began to drift slowly down to my chest. “You’re Sawyer Crane’s little assistant, aren’t you? I remember you.”
“Yes,” I replied. “And?”
Eli slowly licked his thin lips, then his eyes darted up to lock onto my own. “I guess we’ll be seeing more of each other, hm?”
I wanted to know what he meant by that but before I could ask, he set a check down on the counter and left the building far too quickly. Knowing he was here and that he would return made my skin crawl and I shuddered.
“Ready?” Bianca appeared beside me a few minutes later all smiles. “I’m starving.”
“Absolutely. I can’t believe you let Eli Talbot keep his dog here.”
“Am I supposed to know who that is?” she asked after calling bye to Fred.
“The sleazeball from the business dinner?” I reminded her as we headed outside.
Bianca shook her head and frowned. “You’ll have to fill me in again over dinner,” she mused. “But first, promise me something.”
“Sure?”
“Pamper yourself this weekend. Don’t think about Sawyer, don’t worry about your mother, just focus on yourself. Pamper yourself to all heaven and then when you go back to work on Monday, Sawyer might feel bad when he sees how sexy you look.”
“I’ll think about it,” I chuckled, linking arms with her as we walked. “But first. Eli.
Monday morning was easier to face after a weekend of hot oil massages, my favorite food, and a hot bath that left me feeling like a completely new person. Taking Bianca’s advice to pamper myself had been a good call and I was ready to tackle whatever mood Sawyer would be in after a surely stressful weekend with his father.
Arriving at the office early, my plan to have his coffee ready for him, along with some nice pastries for breakfast, immediately derailed when I reached my desk and paused.
Sitting in my chair, spinning round and around was a young girl with brown hair and massive green eyes. A large smile graced her apple face and she kicked her legs, willing herself to go faster until I caught the back of my chair and stopped her.
“Hello?”
6
